Updated 3 October 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 23 August 2022 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations. The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission, (CQC), inspector who was supported by a specialist dental adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Some improvements were needed to the medical emergency medicines and equipment.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Systems to receive safety alerts could be improved.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
Background
Whinmoor Dental Care is in Leeds and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes one dentist, two dental nurses (one of whom was a trainee) and two receptionists (one of whom also manages the practice). The practice has one treatment room.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, one dental nurse and the receptionist manager We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Wednesday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm
Thursday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm (1 or 2 Saturdays per month by appointment only)
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
- Implement an effective system for receiving and responding to patient safety alerts, recalls and rapid response reports issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the Central Alerting System and other relevant bodies, such as Public Health England.